Less than an hour before, the first-grade teacher had been presented with one of the highest honors in the Henderson County Public Schools system, the 2013 Teacher of the Year award.

After accepting the award at a luncheon with her colleagues at Hendersonville Country Club, Farmer returned to school for a celebration with the students, who held handmade banners and signs as they clapped and cheered.

“I started to cry right away,” Farmer said.

The Appalachian State University graduate has taught at Mills River Elementary for the past three years and has seven years of teaching experience.

The school system's teacher of the year was chosen from a field of 23 teachers of the year, each representing a school in Henderson County and nominated by their peers.

Farmer said she felt “overwhelmed and completely honored” by the award and the accolades from her students and colleagues.

Mills River Elementary Principal Todd Murphy said Farmer is “a very deserving, outstanding teacher. She is very energetic and very motivated. She has a special gift of letting the kids know how much she cares about them.”

Several children in her first-grade class agreed. Alex Hoffman, 7, said Farmer is “really fun and really special,” and added that he's had a “really, really fun school year.”

The best part of being in her class? “Letting her teach us.”

For Emmy Atwell, 7, the best part of being in Farmer's class is “Everything.” Atwell especially likes the math games her teacher plays, and said she wishes she could have Farmer again for second grade, “because she's such a great teacher.”

A committee, comprised of a principal, assistant principal, parent, school board member, and the current year's teacher of the year, interviews the candidates to select the district's teacher of the year.

SunTrust Bank sponsors a luncheon each year to recognize educators and honor all of the nominees. Before announcing the award winner's name Friday, Superintendent David Jones spoke about the contributions the chosen teacher makes day in and day out.

The winner chose a career in teaching “to make a difference” and “wanted a job that would be challenging,” he said. The winner's “classroom is full of discovery and learning. It is noisy and fun.”

Explaining that the winning teacher “has a partnership with the families of her students and creates opportunities for them to be involved” with their children's learning, Jones noted that “she develops lessons using creativity made for little minds to understand.”

He then announced Farmer's name, to much applause.

SunTrust Bank Eastgate Office Manager Farrell Beam presented Farmer with a check for $1,000, saying that a key focus at the bank was giving back to the community.

“And I can't think of a better investment than to give back to educators,” he said. “You are going to affect children's lives for the rest of their lives.”

Accepting the award, Farmer said she hadn't prepared any remarks, not imagining that she would be chosen, but thanked her colleagues for the recognition of her work.

“Thank you for your support and keeping me on my toes and making me the best teacher I can be,” she said.

Every year, Farmer participates in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Bowl for Kid's Sake to raise money to support the organization. She volunteers to mentor college interns who are seeking a career in education. She also created a teaching blog specifically for other educators around the world. In the blog, she shares her professional knowledge as well as lessons and activities that have proved successful.

East Henderson High Student Body President Will Overstreet, who has been class president for all four years of his high school career, also spoke at the event, noting how crucial teachers were in his life. He quoted Henry Adams, who said, “A teacher affects eternity. He can never tell when his influence stops.”

“Teachers are always, always, always striving for our personal best,” Overstreet said. “I have an enormous amount of respect for all of you.”

Although Overstreet plans to attend the University of South Carolina in Columbia, he noted, “I am proud to say that I came from Henderson County Public Schools.”

<p>Meghan Farmer had tears in her eyes Friday as she hugged students lining the halls of Mills River Elementary. </p><p>Less than an hour before, the first-grade teacher had been presented with one of the highest honors in the Henderson County Public Schools system, the 2013 Teacher of the Year award. </p><p>After accepting the award at a luncheon with her colleagues at Hendersonville Country Club, Farmer returned to school for a celebration with the students, who held handmade banners and signs as they clapped and cheered. </p><p>“I started to cry right away,” Farmer said. </p><p>The Appalachian State University graduate has taught at Mills River Elementary for the past three years and has seven years of teaching experience. </p><p>The school system's teacher of the year was chosen from a field of 23 teachers of the year, each representing a school in Henderson County and nominated by their peers. </p><p>Farmer said she felt “overwhelmed and completely honored” by the award and the accolades from her students and colleagues. </p><p>“It's a dream come true,” she said. “We don't expect (awards) as teachers. It's a lifetime dream come true.”</p><p>Mills River Elementary Principal Todd Murphy said Farmer is “a very deserving, outstanding teacher. She is very energetic and very motivated. She has a special gift of letting the kids know how much she cares about them.”</p><p>Several children in her first-grade class agreed. Alex Hoffman, 7, said Farmer is “really fun and really special,” and added that he's had a “really, really fun school year.”</p><p>The best part of being in her class? “Letting her teach us.”</p><p>For Emmy Atwell, 7, the best part of being in Farmer's class is “Everything.” Atwell especially likes the math games her teacher plays, and said she wishes she could have Farmer again for second grade, “because she's such a great teacher.”</p><p>A committee, comprised of a principal, assistant principal, parent, school board member, and the current year's teacher of the year, interviews the candidates to select the district's teacher of the year. </p><p>SunTrust Bank sponsors a luncheon each year to recognize educators and honor all of the nominees. Before announcing the award winner's name Friday, Superintendent David Jones spoke about the contributions the chosen teacher makes day in and day out.</p><p>The winner chose a career in teaching “to make a difference” and “wanted a job that would be challenging,” he said. The winner's “classroom is full of discovery and learning. It is noisy and fun.” </p><p>Explaining that the winning teacher “has a partnership with the families of her students and creates opportunities for them to be involved” with their children's learning, Jones noted that “she develops lessons using creativity made for little minds to understand.” </p><p>He then announced Farmer's name, to much applause.</p><p>SunTrust Bank Eastgate Office Manager Farrell Beam presented Farmer with a check for $1,000, saying that a key focus at the bank was giving back to the community. </p><p>“And I can't think of a better investment than to give back to educators,” he said. “You are going to affect children's lives for the rest of their lives.”</p><p>Accepting the award, Farmer said she hadn't prepared any remarks, not imagining that she would be chosen, but thanked her colleagues for the recognition of her work. </p><p>“Thank you for your support and keeping me on my toes and making me the best teacher I can be,” she said.</p><p>Every year, Farmer participates in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Bowl for Kid's Sake to raise money to support the organization. She volunteers to mentor college interns who are seeking a career in education. She also created a teaching blog specifically for other educators around the world. In the blog, she shares her professional knowledge as well as lessons and activities that have proved successful.</p><p>East Henderson High Student Body President Will Overstreet, who has been class president for all four years of his high school career, also spoke at the event, noting how crucial teachers were in his life. He quoted Henry Adams, who said, “A teacher affects eternity. He can never tell when his influence stops.”</p><p>“Teachers are always, always, always striving for our personal best,” Overstreet said. “I have an enormous amount of respect for all of you.” </p><p>Although Overstreet plans to attend the University of South Carolina in Columbia, he noted, “I am proud to say that I came from Henderson County Public Schools.”</p>